The Cosmetics Counter Dance

There's the old saying “it takes two to tango.” And did you ever notice the “dancing” going on at the department store cosmetics counters. There is normally no music playing but the soft “tap” “tap” of the keys of the POS terminal as you are separated from your money.

This is not to say that everything being sold at the department store cosmetics counter is lacking in value. However, have you ever thought about this?

In many items we purchase, a measure of value is the cost-the higher the cost the greater the value. However, at the department store cosmetics counter do not assume just because it costs more that it's “better.”

In a carefully controlled “dance” to add “beauty, allure and mystery” to the products the cosmetics companies and the department stores do everything they can to artificially add “value” to the products. From the elaborate “sets” to the smocked sales people all are coordinated to separate you from your money.

In addition, almost all of the sales people are on commission and to keep their jobs must meet an hourly sales quota.

For example, in a current employment ad for Macy's West, as a condition of employment, cosmetics counter and cosmetics sales people must meet “hourly selling goals,” and “maintain sales goals and express sales goals.” Hourly selling standards are fairly typical of all department stores cosmetic sales people.

What does this mean for you? Of course there are exceptions, but when the sales person at the department store cosmetics counter recommends the latest $89 “moisturizing skin cream system” while a perfectly acceptable $12 item would do as well, which one do you think will be touted with supposed superior benefits?

Big cosmetic companies and the sales person at the department store cosmetics counter can tell you the most outrageous claims. The cosmetic companies can make the most incredible and extreme claims and there are no FDA rules that require them to back up the claims. Be skeptical, if the claim appears too good to be true it probably is.

Overall it pays to highly doubtful of claimed cosmetic company “test” results. When the cosmetic company has total control over how the results are achieved it's no wonder the results back up their other, many times, inflated advertising claims.

One of the largest cosmetics companies offers fully over 300 separate skin care products. Do we really need a special skin cream for the left elbow of right handed people? Skin is basically skin-with the sensitive skin around the eye perhaps being the only exception.

Tip: The best anti-aging strategy for your skin in not some overpriced skin cream but as the experts tell us is to reduce exposure to the sun. When spending time outdoors, always wear appropriate sun screen. Apply the sun block before you leave the house and not when you get to the beach or picnic.

Before shopping at the department store cosmetics counter here are some tips to consider:

1. Do some planning. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you looking for information, application tips, etc.?
2. What products do you like? What products have you had problems with? What has worked for you and what has not?
3. Have a realistic budget. Don't let the commission sales person intimidate you into something you can't afford. Remember, many times, you can purchase a similar product at the drug store for a fraction of the price. Do you really need a $55 lip gloss with a fancy name in an expensive package when a $14 refined Shea Butter based lip gloss will do a similar or better job?
4. Ask questions. Get past the hype.
5. If possible, try it out. For example, always try out foundation and go outside to see how it looks in daylight. If this is not possible bring along your current foundation and try to match the color.
6. Does the sales person know how to apply the lipstick or makeup? Department stores are short handed. You might be dealing with someone who just got transferred in from the luggage department.
7. If the sales person is using the product and it is unflattering maybe you should be dealing with someone else.
8. Finally, ask about the return policy. Can you return that skin product that causes irritation? Make sure you understand.

At the department store cosmetics counter you don't always get what you pay for. Try some comparison shopping and you'll find some great inexpensive products at the drugstore that will work as well or better than the high priced department store lines.
For example, Lancôme and L'Oreal brands are owned by the same company and have many similar skin care products. If you find a Lancôme product you like but don't like spending so much money, L'Oreal many times has a similar product at the drug store for much less. Many similar products are just renamed and repackaged for a lot less money.

Instead of “dancing” at the department store cosmetics counter-one sure way to feel better-think of the money you saved by shopping around.

RuthAnn Ahnen is a California trained beauty consultant, founder of three successful home based businesses including http://www.smartlipstick.com.